National 4
Course Structure
The Course develops skills in a physics context. Learners will gain an understanding of physics, and develop this through a variety of approaches, including practical activities.
The Course has four mandatory Units including the Added Value Unit. The first three Units listed below are designed to provide progression to the corresponding Units at National 5.
Physics: Electricity and Energy (National 4)
In this Unit, learners develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding of electricity and energy. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of electricity and energy on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment. This can be done by using a variety of approaches, including investigation and problem solving.
The Unit covers the key areas of generation of electricity, electrical power, electromagnetism, practical electrical and electronic circuits, gas laws and the kinetic model. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate
information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.
Physics: Waves and Radiation (National 4)
In this Unit, learners develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding of waves and radiation. Learners will
apply these skills when considering the applications of waves and radiation on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment. This can be done by using a variety of approaches, including investigation and problem solving.
The Unit covers the key areas wave characteristics, sound, electromagnetic spectrum and nuclear radiation. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.
Physics: Dynamics and Space (National 4)
This Unit, learners develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding of dynamics and space. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of dynamics and space on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment. This can be done by using a variety of approaches, including investigation and problem solving. The Unit covers the key areas of speed and acceleration, relationships between forces,
motion and energy, satellites and cosmology. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.
Added Value Unit: Physics Assignment (National 4)
In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.
Conditions of award
To achieve the National 4 Physics Course, learners must pass all of the required Units, including the Added Value Unit. The required Units are shown in the Course outline section.
National 4 Courses are not graded.
